MSP raises A76 safety concerns

MSP Joan McAlpine has written to Transport Scotland raising concerns about the safety and stability of the A76.

The SNP MSP was made aware of safety issues at a meeting of Sanquhar Community Council.

Ms McAlpine commented:

“A number of parents have expressed to me concern about the stability of the road. Notwithstanding the frustrations with traffic lights, this is an issue which should be looked into urgently.

“I have asked Transport Scotland what the structural issues affecting the road are at the moment, and how confident we can be that the road will not slip further, even with the temporary traffic lights in place?

“My constituents’ fears are that the road could collapse while traffic is using it, and one mother at the meeting became very upset because her children travel the road every day to school.

The south Scotland MSP also highlighted that further slippage of the road would risk blocking the route to Brown Brothers of Kelloholm – one of the largest employers in the region. She added:

“There is a real fear that if the road subsided further, even with the traffic lights it would require to be closed and any diversion, I have been told, would be extremely lengthy; upwards of 50 miles.

“The largest employer in Dumfries and Galloway, Brown Brothers of Kellohlm, uses the A76. Any slippage could be disastrous for their business and is of great concern to the people of Sanquhar – many of whom are employed there.

“I have asked Transport Scotland for a meeting to discuss the concerns of the local community ahead of the May 22nd meeting regarding the Enterkinfoot traffic lights.”

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